Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has met with 150 young Australians taking part in the country’s inaugural National Youth Parliament, encouraging participants to recognise the importance of their perspectives in shaping Australia’s future. The five-day program in Canberra is giving senior secondary students an opportunity to experience parliamentary processes and engage directly with the nation’s democratic institutions.
Mr Albanese visited the participants during a lunchtime session on Tuesday, speaking with students who have travelled from communities across Australia. His appearance formed part of a program designed to provide young people with practical exposure to the workings of federal Parliament and encourage greater participation in civic life.
The National Youth Parliament brings together 150 students aged 16 and 17, with each participant representing one of Australia’s federal electorates. The initiative allows young Australians from different backgrounds and regions to meet, exchange ideas and gain a closer understanding of how parliamentary decision-making operates.
Governor-General Sam Mostyn officially opened the program earlier in the week, marking the beginning of an initiative focused on developing young people’s understanding of democracy and public leadership. Her involvement also reflects her longstanding advocacy for greater youth participation and engagement in civic institutions.
Throughout the program, participants are taking part in simulated parliamentary sittings and debates, alongside panel discussions and sessions designed to familiarise them with the responsibilities and experiences associated with elected office. Activities are being held at Parliament House as well as the Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House.
The initiative is also providing greater visibility for First Nations perspectives, with young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians among the delegates. Participants have spoken about the importance of having younger First Nations voices involved in discussions about communities, culture, land and Australia’s future, highlighting the broader diversity represented within the program.
The program is being delivered by Y Australia in partnership with the Department of the House of Representatives. Its launch follows the announcement in 2025 that a national youth parliamentary program would be established in Canberra during 2026, creating a federal-level platform for students to learn about parliamentary democracy through direct participation.
Speaker of the House of Representatives Milton Dick has welcomed the strong response to the initiative. The program provides an opportunity for young participants to move beyond classroom discussions about government and gain practical experience with parliamentary debate, public speaking and the processes that underpin Australia’s federal political system.
The National Youth Parliament comes at a time when questions about young people’s connection with democratic institutions remain an important part of Australia’s public conversation. Research highlighted during the program indicates that many young Australians remain interested in democracy while also expressing concerns about whether their perspectives are being adequately heard.
For the students involved, the Canberra gathering offers more than a simulated parliamentary experience. It gives them the opportunity to meet political leaders, understand how national institutions function and consider how they can contribute to their communities. With participants representing every federal electorate, the program also brings a broad cross-section of Australia’s younger generation into one national conversation.
